Run. Run Dance. Run.

With the thermometer hitting the low 60s, it was time to head out and soak up as much sun as possible before the temperature PLUMMETS in 48 hours.  After some google searching I decided upon the Gunpowder Falls State Park.  Located about twenty miles north and east of my house it made for the perfect urban escape.  The park was established in 1959 to preserve the Big and Little Gunpowder valleys and the Gunpowder River.  Today it is one of the largest state parks in Maryland, is sprawled over two counties and has over 120 miles of trails.  Apparently there is a pretty solid paved bike trail, but that will be for another day.

At the trail head there was a map of several different trail options, so I thought I would head out for the 4.5 mile loop through the wetlands.  Now one would assume wetlands to be flat and I was presently surprised horrified when I turned the corner and greeted by a huge hill.  After that hill and the next one I decided to head back and try the trail which ran along the river (along the river always means flat).

Things were good ... the sun was shining, there were tons of people on the trails and I felt pretty BA as I was passing people right and left (they were walkers, but I will take it) and nothing was going to stand in my way.  And that is when I jinxed myself.  Standing in front of me was a large mud puddle with little room to pass on the side so I had two options: 1) try to go around it on the slipper bank 2) trudge through said puddle.  I decided through the latter.  About anther 100 feet I was graced by another puddle (below is said puddle).  

As much as I would have love to stomp through the mud/puddles and please my inner child, the thought of landing on my derriere and getting covered in mud held me back.  In between the puddles, I did find some time for a dance video. 

Along the way I saw a bunch of signs for the Heart Smart trail.  Upon some research when I got back to my casa I found that the program:

"is intended to encourage people to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. Walking can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve blood pressure control, decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer and help control weight. Heart Smart Trails are generally 1-mile in length or less and follow a hard surface, level path. Bronze medallions are embedded in the path every 1/10 of a mile so walkers can keep track of the distance they have traveled."

At the end of the trail there was a great water hole - something I will have to remember for when the weather gets warm.  

The rest of the hour was a run/walk combo depending on the terrain.  Before I hopped in the car, I dunked my feet in the water to try and get as much mud off as possible.  Another successful day!